Rectal Prolapse
Rectal prolapse is a condition where the rectum turns itself inside out and protrudes out through the anal opening. Other problems, such a s prolapsing hemorrhoids can sometimes be confused with true rectal prolapse. Although, no specific cause of rectal prolapse is known, it is associated with a variety of anatomical abnormalities and can be associated with faulty bowel habits or aging. Most patients are advised to have their prolapse corrected in order to alleviate the discomfort as well as any associated constipation or fecal incontinence they may have. The definitive treatment options are all surgical.
The operations available to treat rectal prolapse can be divided into two general approaches. Patients who are healthy enough to withstand major surgery are usually advised to have an abdominal operation such as a rectopexy since the recurrence rate of prolapse treated in this manner is very low. Patients who are considered higher surgical risk are often advised to have an operation through the anal opening directly. Although the recurrence rate of the prolapse using this approach is significantly higher, the stress of the operation is far less.
Specialty Procedures
Proctopexy for Rectal Prolapse
For some severe rectal prolapse conditions, it is recommended that a patient undergo removal of the sigmoid colon and then sewing, or "pexing" of the rectum to the sacrum. This procedure is very successful in curing a patient of a rectal prolapse and also has a very low recurrence rate. In some cases, chronic constipation is markedly improved with this procedure.
Laparoscopically-assisted approaches to colon surgery can be done for patients with certain kinds of colonic pathology. Problems of the right colon and of the sigmoid colon are the best areas for the laparoscopically-assisted approach.
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